Magic Kingdom’s Crystal Palace Character Buffet
So here’s the thing—I didn’t expect to love Crystal Palace Character Buffet. I figured it would be “fine.” Cute, decent food, and a few photos with Pooh. But honestly? It ended up being one of the most relaxing and surprisingly fun meals we had in Magic Kingdom.
It’s right off Main Street—you’ve probably walked past it a dozen times without thinking about it. It looks like a bright white greenhouse, with all these windows and tropical palms inside. Very airy and pretty, but still casual. If you’ve been rushing around all morning, it’s a lovely place to stop, breathe, and eat something that’s not popcorn or a Mickey pretzel.
Related: Get all the inside details on Cinderella’s Royal Table
What’s It Like Inside?
The building was inspired by Victorian greenhouses of the late 1800s, and honestly, it does feel a little like stepping into a garden party. The light streams in through the ceiling, there are plants everywhere, and everything feels soft and sunny. Not too loud, either, even when it’s full.
When we were dining at Crystal Palace there were also some adorable Winnie the Pooh topiaries. That was such a whimsical touch. I don’t know if they are inside year round, but all of the Seven-Acre Woods characters were represented.
We were seated near the middle of the restaurant, and our server was super upbeat—kept our drinks full, told us when characters were coming around, and somehow remembered all our names. It’s not a quiet, romantic spot or anything, but it felt really welcoming.
When you are seated you get a signing card with all the Pooh characters having pre-signed the card. This is such a sweet souvenir.
Related: Check out our review of Be Our Guest!
The Characters – Classic and So Sweet
The big draw here? You get to hang out with the Pooh characters—Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, and Eeyore. And they were on it the day we visited.
Tigger bounced up to our table and “booped” my daughter’s nose with his paw.
Eeyore gave me a full-on sympathy hug. And Piglet? Adorable. They were never rushed, either. They took time at each table, waved to kids across the room, and even doubled back when they realized they missed someone.
If you’ve got littles (or you’re just a nostalgic grown-up who still loves the Hundred Acre Wood), this is a super sweet character-dining experience. It felt more relaxed than some of the other character meals we’ve done—less chaotic, more consistent.
Check out Eeyore’s tail! I loved this super cute detail.
And I don’t care how old you are. You are never too old to get a big hug from Winnie the Pooh. The nickname I have for my husband is honeybear, so of course I had to give this bear a huge squeeze!
Related: The Plaza Restaurant is a great table service option that’s easy to get in Magic Kingdom
The Food – Classic Buffet, with a Few Surprises
Let’s be honest—it’s a buffet-style restaurant, so you kind of expect the usual hits. But I was pleasantly surprised.
We went for the dinner buffet, and there was a good variety: prime rib at the carving station, peel and eat shrimp, crispy fried chicken, chicken tenders, mac & cheese, roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, salads, and a small but solid bread selection.
The vegetable chana masala caught me off guard in the best way—it was warm, spiced just right, and not something I thought I’d find in the middle of Magic Kingdom.
There is a separate buffet line for kids. It has classic favorites like mac and cheese and Mickey waffles (for breakfast). Your kids will be thrilled!.
I bounced between comfort food and some of the lighter dishes. Nothing was mind-blowing, but everything was fresh and warm.
Oh, and the desserts. All of the desserts were so cute! I had to get one of everything. Tiny bites of banana pudding, cookies, and these little chocolate cupcakes that I may or may not have gone back for twice.
Service & Timing
Service was genuinely great. Our server kept the pace just right—never felt rushed, but also didn’t linger forever. Plates were cleared quickly, drinks refilled before we had to ask.
We were there about an hour and fifteen minutes, which was perfect. Long enough to eat, see all the characters, and not feel like we were stuck in there forever.
Cost – What You Get for the Price
Okay, this is where some people might hesitate. Crystal Palace isn’t cheap. Dinner is currently (2025) $62 per adult and $42 for kids. Breakfast is a little less, around $52/adults and $33/kids, plus tax and gratuity.
BUT—when you factor in the character experience, the large quantities of food, and the location (smack in the heart of the park), it starts to feel more reasonable.
If you’re on the Disney Dining Plan, it’s one table service credit, which makes it a solid value compared to some other one-credit spots. And yep, you do need a credit card to book, with a no-show fee if you bail. You can cancel within 2 hours of your reservation without penalty though.
Getting a Reservation
If you want breakfast (especially early), you’ll want to book this one right when your 60-day window opens. Lunch and dinner are a little easier to grab, but still go quick depending on the time of year.
We booked about a month out and had decent availability for dinner. I’ve seen same-day reservations pop up occasionally, but walk-ups are hit or miss.
If you’re trying to time it around Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or a parade, keep checking the app—people cancel all the time.
Is It Good for Kids? (And Adults?)
Totally. There were high chairs, plenty of kid-friendly food, and the characters were gentle and sweet with the shy kids.
And because it’s a buffet and character experience geared towards kids, it’s just fine for your kids to be a bit noisy inside the restaurant.
But it’s not just a “kids only” experience. We saw plenty of adults there on their own or in groups, having a good time and soaking in the relaxed setting. If you’re into Disney characters, love the atmosphere, or just want a sit-down meal that doesn’t feel chaotic, it’s a good option.
Final Thoughts
Would I eat here again? Definitely. I wouldn’t do it on every trip, but it’s one of those places that gives you a breather in the middle of the day while still feeling like a little event of its own. The character interactions were genuinely delightful, the food was solid, and it just had that warm, classic Disney feel.
If you’re after a character buffet that isn’t a total madhouse and still delivers some sweet Walt Disney World moments, Crystal Palace is worth a spot on your list.
